For those parts of the country which have been put on the database we can carry out a variety of searches:

• Simple lists of all memorials in a given geographical area
• Memorials relating to specific wars or religious denominations
• Those unveiled by particular individuals or in certain years
• Memorials which were the work of particular artists
• Particular memorial types or materials used and their present condition, or any combination of the above criteria
• A three-page detailed report for a specific memorial

Whilst the vast majority of records have now been computerised, there is a small amount still to be input. However, these records can be accessed by researchers on request.

How can I access this information?

The Inventory database is not available on-line at the moment although funding is being sought to get it on the web. In the meantime, initial enquiries to view the Inventory database should be directed to the Department of Printed Books who have access to it in their Reading Room. If you find that you need to do more in-depth research and view the original research files the archive holds following this initial consultation, then an appointment can be made. Any other war memorial enquiries can be made directly to the archive.

Can you tell me where my relative is commemorated?

The names recorded on memorials provide an important source of information, and are often recorded by local history groups. However the sheer volume of information involved in recording each name meant that they could not be added to the database in the first phase of its compilation.  The Inventory is seeking resources to undertake this work in the future.

Meanwhile, project staff can carry out elementary manual searches across small geographical areas but successes are not guaranteed. In order to assist with the search process, enquirers are asked to supply the following information:

• Full name of the relative being sought
• Date of death
• Rank and service details e.g. Sergeant J. Smith, Royal Warwickshire Regiment
• Place of birth if known and place of residence of next of kin
• Schools attended and place of work if relevant and known
• Religion

The information that can be provided will depend upon how the names appear on a memorial. With some lists of names on memorials there are only initials and surnames so it is not always certain that the person who is commemorated on a memorial is the same one being sought. Unfortunately, detailed research into each of those commemorated is beyond the project’s means. With an estimated total of around 1.5 million names on the memorials in the UK the project does not have the resources to be able to do it. Enquirers are advised to contact their local family history society to see if they have carried out this research

Who is responsible for the upkeep of memorials?

Whilst many memorials are beautifully maintained by parish councils, Royal British Legion branches and other organisations, often no one person or body is legally responsible for their upkeep. When most memorials were erected, after the First World War, this problem was rarely considered and resources tended to be directed into fund-raising and construction rather than any provision for long term upkeep. In 1923, the War Memorials (Local Authorities' Powers) Act permitted local authorities to use public money for the maintenance of memorials, but there was no obligation to do this.

Can you provide funds to renovate our memorial?

We are not in a position to offer financial support for renovation projects as we ourselves are dependent on sponsorship. However, information on possible sources can be found in our conservation booklet. See also the Friends of War Memorials website.

Do you have any information about overseas memorials?

Our terms of reference limit us to recording memorials in the British Isles and whilst we have photographs of some overseas memorials we have little or no background information. Some private memorials from the First World War have been researched by the Western Front Association, who may be able to provide further details.

Official 'Memorials to the Missing' on the battlefields are the responsibility of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). They can provide information about their history and how to reach them. For further information about the CWGC and access to their 'Debt of Honour' database, which gives details of burial or commemoration sites for all British and Commonwealth casualties from the two World Wars, see their web site at www.cwgc.org

Why do some memorials have the dates 1914 - 1919 inscribed upon them?

On November 11th 1918 the Armistice was signed and for many this signalled the end of four long years of conflict. However, the armistice only marked a temporary cessation of hostilities and people in many communities they feared that fighting might break out again. Their minds were finally set to rest with the signing of the Peace Treaty of Versailles on 28th June 1919. They could now consider the war officially over and it is for this reason that they placed the date 1919 on the memorial.